Beginning Portrait Sculpting

Elijah Evenson is a Seattle based sculptor who combines the aesthetics of a natural history museum with the vestiges of the subconscious. In the time of the Renaissance, science was perceived with mystical admiration. Using realistic forms, light, and iconic shapes Elijah creates works that focus on the concepts of science with the impact of an ancient religious statue.

Gage will provide the clay and armature materials needed for the first day of
class. However, please bring a pair of wire-cutting, needle-nose pliers the
first day of class. The usefulness of the following tools will be discussed
during the first session.

Clay Modeling Tools

Fettling Knife (Stiff, not flexible)

8″ Calipers aluminum, cheap okay!

Plumb bob w/ min 3′ string

Small Ribbon rake* (Sculpture House 404a) – can often be purchased online at
Sculpture house, or occasionally locally at Seattle Pottery Supply, or Artist
and Craftsman Supply and/or Kemper WT16

Some 100g sandpaper!

Learn to sculpt the portrait and capture likeness and personality in clay. Focus on sculpting a full-scale portrait in water clay on a fixed armature while working with a live model. Topics include an introduction to tools and techniques; proportions; structural anatomy; and learning to closely observe the nuances of the human face. Instruction includes demonstrations, brief lectures, and individual feedback throughout the class.